Ford Fiesta (2002 - 2008) 1.4 Silver 3d (2003/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

With all of its modifications, I think it tells other people that I am a hoodlum, out to challenge others to impromptu street races. I am not. If the car was standard, people would think much more of me and it, what with the 18 year old driver with leather seats and 16" alloys as standard.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all love it. It's like I have suddenly become everybody's best friend!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. It is so much fun and a driving experience that everybody should have.

What are you likely to buy next?

This sort of depends on when the Fiesta dies and how much I am earning at the time. If the time is soon, a Hyundai Coupe 2.0 SE would be nice, if the time is a little later a Fiat Grande Punto T-Jet would be a quicker option. If the Fiesta survives for over 3 more years, something incredibly special could be on the horizon (anywhere from the new Fiesta ST to a Nissan Silvia S15 to a Subaru Legacy).

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,995

When did you buy the car?

December 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I suppose I did get a good deal looking back on it now. Although I have had a few little niggles with the car since I purchased it, the deal they gave me was not all bad. Included in the price of the car I was given; 1 year AA warranty (silver), an mot, 6 months tax and a minor service. On the other hand, the niggles I experienced were clutch and engine related (clutch was a £370 fix) but I suppose it is expected of a car with over 100,000 miles.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looked and sounded good, lovely leather trim, 16" alloy wheels, non standard Kenwood double-din stereo with mp3 and iPod connectivity, non standard premium sound system and a rather lovely non standard exhaust system!

What was the dealer like?

Very good, friendly and helpful. A family run business with a strong family attitude, I have been back since the purchase for a service and engine clean.

What's it like to drive?

Adequate. For a young driver like myself the car has incredible response (in that it's very nippy) it is very good at handling, very little understeer (until it meets rain, if you are planning on buying one, make sure it has good tyres). Mine is also quite loud, this is because the previous owner fitted a, ahem, non-standard exhaust. Don't get me wrong it sounds great, like a proper little rally car, but on a motorway the drone is enough to drive a man insane. This is not an issue with the standard car, as I understand the standard car is very well refined.

What's it like to park?

Incredibly easy. The back of the car is basically flat and all round visibility is excellent making those tight gaps at the side of the road easy to fill. Supermarket car parks are also very easy to navigate.

Have you had any problems with the car?

As I have previously mentioned, the clutch was very dodgy at the time of purchase what with two of the three clutch bearings sheared but since the fix, nothing has gone wrong in the gearbox department. Now to the engine, ha. The Ford 1.4 Duratec engine, based on the 1995 Sigma, has never been the strongest 1.4 on the market, barely providing 80bhp. It was initially very spluttery when I put my foot down more than half way but some engine cleaner soon sorted that out.

What's most practical about your car?

The surprisingly spacious boot, I suppose. It fitted all of mine and my sister's luggage quite comfortably on a family holiday down to Cornwall this summer. Also, you cannot flaw the interior space. It can be a little bit of a squeeze but me and 4 mates and our day bags were able to get to the Mendips with no dramas (not from the car anyway!).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The stereo system, definitely! Even though it's not a standard option, everybody loves and comments about my stereo, possibly because of the flashing lights, maybe because of the amazing quality of the sound that comes out of the speakers! But my favorite standard option has to be the air conditioning.